That Summer | Aaron Carpenter

eighteen

When we got to Orlando I didn’t even get a chance to bring my things inside when I was hauled off to a studio with the Jacks. Once we got there, Johnson shoved me into a booth. He showed me what to do and gave me tips.

“Remember this is your first single.” He said. “You’re going to do great.”

I nodded and took a deep breath as he left the room. I put the headphones on.

“Okay, Hallie, Can you hear me?” One of the men said.

“Yep.” I said.

“Good.” He said. “The lyrics are right in front of you. We’re going to have Gilinsky in another booth going over it with you, got it?”

“Got it.” I said.

“Can you hear me Hal?” Gilisnky asked.

“Yeah.”

“Okay, we’re going to start from the beginning.”

“Alright.” I said.

“Sing the first part for me, just how you think it should sound. Remember there is no wrong.” He said.

“Got it.” I said as the music started rolling.

“You’re talking to me but I never hear a word. Please excuse me, I was on another world. Did the denim on legs got you shook? I’ll turn around so you can get better look.” I sang as the music cut.

“That was amazing Hallie.” He said. “Way better than what I was thinking. Keep going.”

“We’re going to put Johnson in a booth too.” The guy said. I waited for them to give me the go-ahead and they started playing the music.

“Got my black cap on, Imma put on a show. Now watch you watching me walk out the door.” I sang.

“Who wears short shorts?” I heard the boys sing.

“We wear short shorts.” I sang back.

“Who wears short shorts?”

“We wear short shorts.” I smiled. “The shorter the better, the hotter the weather. Who wears short shorts? I wear short shorts.”

“Okay, cut real quick.” Gilinsky said. “So Hallie when we record the part where it says ‘I wear short shorts,’ I want you to say it, not sing it. Understand?”

“Yes.” I said.

“Start again.” Gilinsky said.

The music started where we picked off, I waited until I was supposed to come in.

“You might wear the pants but I wear the shorts. Like to watch me dance, leave you wanting more.” I sang, Johnson repeating the last phrases. “Say goodbye with them high on my waist. Sorry baby, had to put you in your place.”

“Cut.” Johnson said. The music stopped. “Hallie, you’re doing amazing but I feel like you could really give more.”

“Totally.” I smiled and took a deep breath.

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We got back to the hotel at around one in the morning. I pushed the door open to my room and walked in. I saw my brother asleep on one bed and Cam asleep on mine. I groaned and kicked my shoes off as I walked over to my brother. I pushed him over and climbed into bed with him.

“Hallie?” He asked.

“Shut up, I’m tired.” I said and shut my eyes.

“Goodnight.” He said.